Pro Football Focus: highest graded Buffalo Bills in 2023

Bills top-graded defensive players

1. Tyrel Dodson - 89.5

I'm pretty sure no one saw this coming. Second-year linebacker, Terrel Bernard won the pre-season battle for the starting middle linebacker role but when Matt Milano went down, someone had to step up, and that someone was Tyrel Dodson. He's had a fantastic season, finishing the year with 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and eight tackles for a loss. His 89.5 PFF grade ranks third among all linebackers.

2. DaQuan Jones - 86.0

DaQuan Jones missed a lot of time, but he's been simply phenomenal and his return to the lineup the last two weeks was massive. Now he is ready to rock for the playoffs and help the Bills' defensive front remain dominant and torment the opposing quarterbacks. His PFF grade of 86 doesn't rank among defensive tackles because he only had 174 total snaps, but he's been one of the most dominant when he was on the field.

3. Greg Rousseau - 85.6

Greg Rousseau's run defense grade of 78.3 ranked among the best run-defenders at the edge positions this year. His overall grade of 85.6 ranks 15th among edge defenders. He's yet another example that Brandon Beane knows what he's doing, and Rousseau's pass rush skills will only continue to develop. He finished 2023 with 42 total tackles, five sacks, and 13 tackles for a loss. He also contributed 55 total pressures this season.

4. Rasul Douglas - 82.2

The acquisition of Rasul Douglas cannot be overstated. Hopefully, he'll be ok going forward after sustaining an injury in the Dolphins game because the Bills need his ball-hawking play in the playoffs. His PFF grade of 82.2 ranks eighth among all corners. He recorded 57 total tackles and had five interceptions. He also allowed a quarterback rating of only 70.5 when targeted.

5. Christian Benford - 82.2

The Bills are in a great place right now with Christian Benford also coming in with a grade of 82.2, and again is eighth best in the NFL. With Douglas under contract next season and Benford continuing to grow, the Bills will have one of the best corner duos in the league. Benford recorded 51 total tackles, two interceptions, and forced a couple of fumbles. Also, per PFF, was credited with only one missed tackle all season.